Measurement

Proportionality

Definition

A mathematical relationship between two quantities where their ratio remains constant (direct proportionality) or their product remains constant (inverse proportionality).

Explanation

Ohm’s Law states V = IR: voltage is directly proportional to current when resistance is fixed — doubling the current doubles the voltage. Boyle’s Law (PV = constant) is an inverse proportionality: halving the volume of a gas at fixed temperature doubles its pressure. Proportionality relationships allow prediction of one variable from changes in another without solving a full equation.

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RELATED TERMS

Conversion Factor

A numerical multiplier used to convert a quantity from one unit to another.

Precision

The degree of refinement in a measurement, indicated by the number of significant digits.

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How close a measurement is to the true value of the quantity being measured.

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A method of converting units by multiplying by conversion factors that equal 1.

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A unit of distance used in sea and air navigation, equal to 1,852 meters.